2014 World Cup Odds: Group C Picks and Predictions – Columbia the Favorite: Group C definitely has an interesting mix of teams. All four teams come from different continents, not a single team has ever won a World Cup knockout game. Columbia is the seeded country in the group, but somewhat ironically, they are the only team that didn’t qualify for the World Cup in 2010. The other three countries in the group are Greece, Ivory Coast and Japan, and given the lack of World Cup success for all four countries, it’s tough to call any country in Group C a lock to advance.
Projected Winner: Columbia
The balance of Columbia alone gives the team the upper hand in this group. Not only does Columbia have several quality goal-scorers that head a solid attack, but the team’s defense was among the best in World Cup qualifying. If not for an injury to star forward Radamel Falcao, Columbia would be a safe bet to win Group C. Even without him, this is still the best all-around team in the group, and Columbia’s ability to win on both sides of the field will allow them to take Group C and advance on to the knockout stage.
Projected Runner-Up: Ivory Coast
In terms of individual talent, Ivory Coast has as much as any team in this group. Didier Drogba is a proven goal-scorer, and he and fellow forward Salomon Kalou form a stout tandem for the offensive. Meanwhile, midfielder Yaya Toure helps facilitate an attack that has a knack for jumping on top of opponents early. On the flip side, Ivory Coast has had lapses on the defensive end during World Cup qualifying, but being on the big stage should bring out a focused effort from the team’s elite talent. Ivory Coast might not win Group C, but this team should make it to the knockout stage.
Potential Sleeper: Greece
To say that Greece has had trouble scoring goals in the World Cup would be an understatement. In six World Cup matches, Greece has scored only two goals, and both came in one game. However, this year’s squad has been different, and Greece actually won its qualifying group. Granted, defense remains this team’s calling card, and Greece allowed just five goals in 10 qualifying matches. However, the duo of Konstantinos Mitroglou and Dimitrios Salpingidis gives Greece the potential to score some goals for once. Thanks to its defense, Greece should be within striking distance in most of its games. If Konstantinos and Salpingidis happen to get hot at the right time, this team could sneak into the knockout stage.
Team to Avoid: Japan
Armed with a distinct, defensive-minded style, Japan tries to frustrate opponents by controlling the pace of games and the ball. The strategy worked to the tune of an Asian World Cup qualifying title, but the competition in the qualifying group pales in comparison to what Japan will see in Brazil. Meanwhile, team captain Makoto Hasebe is out with a knee injury, and the overall top-to-bottom talent on Japan’s roster just isn’t up to par with the other team in Group C. It’s to see this team making a run to the knockout stage.
Check out daily LIVE updated 2014 World Cup Brazil Betting Odds from Bovada updated LIVE on NSAwins.com!